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qarrara
to decide
Qarrara (قرر) is a regular Arabic verb meaning 'to decide' or 'to determine.' It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express making a decision, settling on a course of action, or establishing something firmly. The word conveys deliberation and commitment to a chosen path.
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قررت الذهاب إلى الجامعة في الخريف.
Qarart al-dhahab ila al-jami'ah fi al-kharif.
I decided to go to the university in the fall.
قررت الحكومة بناء مشروع جديد.
Qararat al-hukumah bina' mashru' jadid.
The government decided to build a new project.
هل قررت ما الذي تريد فعله؟
Hal qarart ma al-ladhi turid fi'lahu?
Have you decided what you want to do?
نحن قررنا البقاء في البيت هذا المساء.
Nahnu qararna al-baqa' fi al-bayt hadha al-masa'.
We decided to stay at home this evening.
قررت الشركة خفض الأسعار.
Qararat al-sharikah khafad al-as'ar.
The company decided to reduce prices.
In Arab culture, decision-making is often a significant matter that may involve consultation with family members or colleagues before implementing. The verb qarrara is frequently used in formal announcements, government declarations, and personal discussions about life choices. Islamic culture emphasizes thoughtful decision-making and consulting others (shura) before making important choices.
Remember that qarrara is a regular verb that follows standard conjugation patterns. It is typically followed by an infinitive verb (to decide to do something) or a noun. In formal contexts, you'll often see it used passively or in journalistic writing. Pay attention to the difference between qarrara (decided) and qarar (decision/decree), as they share the same root but different grammatical functions.
The Arabic verb qarrara (قرر) is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Arabic language, expressing the action of making a decision or determining something firmly. This regular verb is essential for learners at all levels, as it appears frequently in everyday conversation, written communication, and formal announcements.
Qarrara literally means 'to decide' or 'to determine.' It conveys the idea of settling on a choice after consideration, establishing something definitively, or making an official declaration. The verb implies a sense of finality and commitment to a chosen course of action, distinguishing it from simply considering or thinking about options.
Qarrara is a Form I (basic) regular verb in Arabic, meaning it follows standard conjugation patterns. The root letters are Q-R-R (ق-ر-ر), which appears in various related words such as qarar (decision), muqarrar (determined), and taqrir (report). As a regular verb, it conjugates predictably across all tenses and persons.
In the past tense (perfective), qarrara conjugates as follows:
In the present tense (imperfective), the verb takes the form yuqarrir, with appropriate pronouns and markers for tense and person.
Qarrara is typically used with direct objects or infinitive verbs. When expressing 'to decide to do something,' you would use qarrara followed by an infinitive verb. For example: 'Qarart al-dhahab' (I decided to go). The verb can also be used with nouns, such as 'Qarartu qaran jadida' (I decided on a new decision/course).
Understanding the word family around qarrara enriches your comprehension:
While qarrara is the most straightforward way to express decision-making, Arabic offers several alternatives depending on nuance:
In Arab societies, decision-making often carries social significance. Important decisions may involve consulting family members, elders, or colleagues. The concept of 'shura' (consultation) is culturally valued in Islamic and Arab traditions, influencing how decisions are presented and discussed. Therefore, you may encounter qarrara in contexts involving group deliberation or formal announcements.
In business and government settings, qarrara appears frequently in official statements, reports, and policy documents. News broadcasts regularly use this verb when reporting on government or institutional decisions. In personal contexts, it's used when discussing life choices, plans, and commitments.
Several phrases using qarrara are particularly common:
English speakers often find qarrara manageable because it's a regular verb, avoiding many of the complications of irregular verbs in Arabic. However, attention to verb form (past, present, imperative) is crucial for accurate communication. Practice using qarrara with infinitive verbs (qarrara + an + verb) to become comfortable expressing decisions about specific actions.
When writing or speaking, remember that qarrara can function alone ('I decided') or with an object ('I decided on this'). Understanding context will help you use the appropriate structure. Additionally, be mindful of formal versus informal registers when using this verb in written versus spoken Arabic.
The verb qarrara is indispensable for anyone learning Arabic, appearing across all registers of the language. Its regular conjugation pattern makes it accessible to learners, while its frequent use ensures multiple opportunities to practice and internalize its forms and applications. Mastering this verb provides a foundation for discussing decision-making, plans, and commitments in Arabic across various contexts.